Space Brief 26 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the crash of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over Europe, the Space Force's mapping efforts with Iron Dome, and key military appointments and funding decisions.
STARLINK-31640 (59748)
COSPAR: 2024-090U | Alt Name: Starlink 31640
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 13, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59748
International Designator
2024-090U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:41:37 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
157.10°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
270.50°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31640
Alternative Name
Starlink 31640
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59748U 24090U 26200.86224382 .00000805 00000+0 38771-4 0 9995
2 59748 43.0030 157.1020 0000859 270.4976 89.5777 15.27566383123654
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31640 satellite, also known as Starlink 31640, is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-58-19 mission. Launched on May 13, 2024, from the AFE launch site (LC40) using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms and its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, Ku/Ka/E-band payload, and an optical inter-satellite link, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's purpose is communication and is owned by the same entity.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-58-19
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 14 Jun 2025
Today's space news roundup highlights a significant defense bill passed for the Space Force, a delay in the Axiom-4 mission due to ISS issues, and major satellite deals with NATO.
Crew-12 Launches, Falcon 9 Makes First Landing at New LZ-40 Pad | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches Crew-12 to ISS and lands Falcon 9 booster at new LZ-40 pad for the first time. xAI restructures $18B in debt ahead of possible IPO. 6,000 Starlink terminals smuggled into Iran.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.
Space Brief 30 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
The Day We First Landed on Venus
On December 15, 1970, a battered Soviet probe accomplished something no spacecraft had done before - it survived landing on another world and lived to tell about it.
Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)
Understanding the unique orbital sweet spot that keeps satellites perfectly positioned above Earth
Space Brief 20 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.